What must be done in Afghanistan (IV): Better training
The fourth bit of advice from the smart, seasoned officer we’re calling Sam Damon: CSTC-A is a failure, not in leadership, but in capability. The capability for training host nation security forces resides in the BCT, not a stovepiped, parallel chain of command of ‘ad hoc-ery’ at best. The manning for those advisors are the ...
The fourth bit of advice from the smart, seasoned officer we're calling Sam Damon:
CSTC-A is a failure, not in leadership, but in capability. The capability for training host nation security forces resides in the BCT, not a stovepiped, parallel chain of command of 'ad hoc-ery' at best. The manning for those advisors are the black and blue squad of the Army in a football team sense. They ain't the first string. If this partnership is the main effort in word, then why are not holding the BCT CDRs accountable? Gen Petraeus knew about this before he took on Iraq and he changed it. Must happen here."U.S. Army
The fourth bit of advice from the smart, seasoned officer we’re calling Sam Damon:
CSTC-A is a failure, not in leadership, but in capability. The capability for training host nation security forces resides in the BCT, not a stovepiped, parallel chain of command of ‘ad hoc-ery’ at best. The manning for those advisors are the black and blue squad of the Army in a football team sense. They ain’t the first string. If this partnership is the main effort in word, then why are not holding the BCT CDRs accountable? Gen Petraeus knew about this before he took on Iraq and he changed it. Must happen here.”
U.S. Army
More from Foreign Policy


Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.


It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.


Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.


Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.